The kimono dress is a traditional Japanese robe worn on special occasions, made of woven silk and cut into rectangular strips for easy repair. The obi, a wide satin belt, is a vital accessory. The furisode kimono symbolizes adulthood, while the houmongi represents marriage. The kimono dress is a representation of tradition and culture in Japan.
A kimono dress is a traditional full-length Japanese robe worn by both genders. In the 21st century, the kimono dress is predominantly worn on special occasions, but it was considered everyday clothing until the early 19th century. A woven silk is cut into rectangular strips to allow the kimono gown to be easily disassembled, repaired, and re-dyed. The kimono dress does not flatter the figure due to the straight-edged pattern, but glamourizes with intricate prints, colors and various styles.
The men’s kimono is less extravagant, and there is a greater variety of styles for women. The yukata is a summer tunic that is made of extremely light cotton and has spring floral prints. The furisode kimono, which is made of the finest silk with flowing, floor-length sleeves, symbolizes that a woman has turned 20 and has officially entered adulthood. The houmongi robe, an elegant solid color kimono dress, is a representation of marriage and sophistication. Kimono dresses go far beyond a simple fashion statement because they showcase different phases in life.
The obi, a wide satin belt, is a vital kimono accessory. This wrap dress is accentuated by the embroidered, hand-painted or woven sash in gold and silver. The men’s kimono is often made with dark materials and almost invisible patterns. Dark colors represent enlightenment and are rumored to ward off evil entities.
Although the kimono dress has a simplistic pattern, an experienced family member or friend is often needed to assist in the dressing process. The tunic requires certain folds to be smoothed out and adjustments to be made to its length creating folds and overlap. A series of less visible ties called koshi himos are used to hold the various folds and alignments in place.
After all the material has been properly arranged, the obi ita, an oval-shaped piece of cardboard, is placed on the stomach to allow the band to maintain its wide shape. The price of a kimono dress depends on the material, the pattern, and the occasion. One of the most expensive kimono dresses is the furisode, which can cost thousands of US dollars (USD). Summer kimono and used kimonos are drastically cheaper and can usually be purchased for less than $200 USD.
Expensive material and custom designs set these gowns apart from your average bathrobes and housecoats. The kimono style has been incorporated into western fashion, but modifications have been made. Shortening a kimono dress to the knee has become popular as a design for party dresses. Although the kimono has become a modernized commodity, it still represents tradition and culture in Japan.
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